Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 487 On the verge of breaking out

"To be honest, the reason I'm visiting today is precisely because of Xu Zhuoxuan. According to information we've received, the Bright Moon Sect has amassed a large force to attack Bianxi City." After exchanging a few polite words, Song Xian turned the conversation to business.

"Is that so? I haven't heard of it." Xu Yaoming's expression changed slightly, but he still had a faint smile on his face.

"I just heard this news myself. Master Xu, you are aware of what has happened between our sect and the Bright Moon Sect recently. Anyone with eyes can see who is right and who is wrong. Now, regardless of right or wrong, the Bright Moon Sect is now amassing a large force to attack Bianxi City. We hope that your sect can uphold justice. However, if your sect sits idly by and allows them to run rampant, then our sect will have no choice but to fight back."

"I understand Sect Leader Song's intentions, and I will report this matter to the sect. However, whether the sect will intervene is not something I can decide."

“I understand. But there is one thing I need to report to Steward Xu. Due to the threat from the Bright Moon Sect, I have sent people to summon all the sects in Bianxi City and call on them to defend Bianxi City. I hope Steward Xu can understand.” Song Xian flipped his hand and took out a storage bag, which he handed over: “In addition, I would like to ask Steward Xu to say a few good words for our sect in front of your sect.”

His purpose in coming here today is to gain Xu Yaoming's support. Xu Yaoming has a certain influence on both the Beast Taming Sect's attitude on this matter and the recruitment of various sects in Bianxi City.

If he interferes, things will become much more difficult.

Regardless of whether the Beast Taming Sect will intervene in this matter, as for the various sects in Bianxi City, as long as he gives them some hints, those sects will have their own ulterior motives, be hesitant and indecisive, and may even turn against him when the Bright Moon Sect's army is pressing in.

"Don't worry, Sect Leader Song. With our friendship spanning so many years, I will do my best." Xu Yaoming smiled as he accepted the storage bag.

"Then thank you very much, Steward Xu." Song Xian was not surprised by this, as it was expected. Over the years, Xu Yaoming had taken a lot of money from the Hunyuan Sect's assets. If the Mingyue Sect really launched a major attack, the various assets of the Hunyuan Sect would inevitably be damaged, and he would not benefit from it either.

The two chatted for a while longer, and after receiving his assurances, Song Xian quickly took his leave.

.........

Luoyun Mountain, with its majestic and imposing council hall.

The leaders of several sects in Bianxi City gathered together. Currently, Hunyuan Sect is the dominant force in Bianxi City, and its power is much stronger than that of Luoyun Sect in the past.

At least the Luoyun Sect had the Kong family to check and balance it, but the current Bianxi City has no sect that can compare with the Hunyuan Sect.

Most of the original Luoyun Sect's territory, along with the Kong family's resources and jurisdiction, all fell to the Hunyuan Sect. In addition, the Tianshan base area also fell to the Hunyuan Sect. This left other forces in Bianxi City with no room to rise and they could only drink meager rations under the control of the Hunyuan Sect.

Therefore, no one dared to refuse Song Xian's invitation, and the leaders of several sects all arrived as promised.

This level of meeting naturally didn't require Song Xian's involvement; Jiang Zichen was in charge of presiding. When he entered from outside, the leaders of several sects all respectfully stood up and bowed.

Among these sects, apart from Wang Xuan, the leader of the Yuyuan Sect, who is a Foundation Establishment cultivator, the others are all Qi Refining cultivators. The original leaders of sects such as the Xuanhuan Sect, Huaxuan Sect, and Jiangliu Sect either failed to establish their Foundation Establishment and died or had reached the end of their lifespan, and all of them have been replaced by new leaders.

"I'm sure everyone has heard about the recent events between our sect and the Bright Moon Sect. The Bright Moon Sect is currently gathering its forces to attack Bianxi City. Once they capture Bianxi City, we will have nowhere to go. Today's meeting is to discuss how to defend against the Bright Moon Sect. Our sect leader requests that you all lead all disciples to Luoyun Mountain to assemble and await orders, so that we can make unified arrangements and deployments. Does anyone have any objections?"

Jiang Zichen's gaze swept over the sect leaders present. Upon hearing this, their expressions varied, some looking tense and others worried. However, no one dared to openly object. Even Wang Xuan, the sect leader of the Jade Abyss Sect, had a gloomy face, looking like he dared not speak out against it.

“Since no one has any objections, once you return, immediately summon your disciples,” Jiang Zichen continued.

"Of course, our sect will not let you work for nothing. All the salaries of cultivators from various sects will be paid according to the standards of our sect's disciples. Regardless of their aptitude, during the conscription period, each Qi Refining early stage cultivator will receive 30 spirit stones per month, each Qi Refining mid stage cultivator will receive 60 spirit stones per month, and each Qi Refining late stage cultivator will receive 100 spirit stones per month. If it takes less than a month, it will be paid according to the standard for a month."

"In addition, our sect will provide each of you with an extra subsidy. If you have fewer than fifty members, you will receive a monthly subsidy of three thousand spirit stones. If you have more than fifty members, you will receive a monthly subsidy of six thousand spirit stones. If you have more than one hundred members, you will receive a monthly subsidy of ten thousand spirit stones."

"During the war, all spoils will be rewarded and distributed to the individuals involved, and there will also be compensation for casualties. I will not go into the specific rules here, but someone will issue a notice of regulations at that time."

Upon hearing this, the group's expressions softened slightly. Although the Hunyuan Sect was domineering, its conditions were still quite good, with generous salaries and subsidies, far exceeding the conditions offered by the Luoyun Sect when they recruited members.

Here, while Jiang Zichen was discussing with the various sects of Bianxi City how to resist the Mingyue Sect, on the other side, Xiao Ling had arrived at the Xuanyang Sect and was sitting opposite Elder Jia Yun.

After Gu Xuntao, the original leader of Yunxuan Sect, was ambushed and killed, the original Grand Elder Su Yuan took over his position, and the Second Elder Jia Yun naturally became the Grand Elder.

After a brief greeting, the two got straight to the point.

Jia Yun didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point: "Fellow Daoist Xiao, you must have come here for the Mingyue Sect matter?"

Xiao Ling had already come here once before about this matter, which is why he asked this question.

“Fellow Daoist Jia is a straightforward person, so I will speak frankly. The Bright Moon Sect has now amassed a large force in Humen City, intending to attack my Bianxi City. The Sect Leader sent me here to request your sect’s assistance in jointly resisting the Bright Moon Sect.”

Jia Yun's expression remained unchanged, and he spoke in a calm tone: "Hasn't this matter already been discussed before? Our sect is indeed willing but unable. Last time, when we helped Huayuan Sect resist Mingyue Sect, our sect lost a lot of manpower. Now that our strength has not yet recovered, how can we possibly help your sect?"

Xiao Ling knew that Xuan Yang Sect actually harbored resentment towards them because when they joined forces to deal with the Fang family last time, Hun Yuan Sect reaped all the benefits. Not only did they take over all of the Fang family's resources and territory, but Song Xian also seized the Golden Yuan Pill that Fang Mingxuan, the head of the Fang family, possessed.

Although it was Xuan Yang Sect that took the initiative to offer their request, Hun Yuan Sect could not help but be suspected of taking advantage of the situation, especially regarding the Golden Yuan Pill. Xuan Yang Sect made such a big concession in order to obtain this item, but it was ultimately intercepted.

It's like the Hunyuan Sect got all the benefits, while the Xuanyang Sect put in all that effort for nothing. How could they not feel resentful? They just couldn't turn against each other because of the circumstances.

Now that the Hunyuan Sect is in trouble, it would be good enough if they didn't kick them while they were down. Expecting them to help out is nothing short of wishful thinking.

"As long as your sect is willing to help, we will try our best to meet any conditions." Xiao Ling looked directly at the other party with a sincere expression.

"This isn't about how much the conditions are; my sect is truly powerless to help, and I don't want to get involved in the conflict between your sect and the Bright Moon Sect. I hope your sect will understand." Jia Yun would never take the initiative to make demands or easily reveal his hand.

In such cases, the party seeking help sets the price, and then the other party negotiates the price. This gives them the upper hand, and whether they agree or not, Xuan Yangzong has the final say.

The same thing happened when Xuan Yang Sect sought help from Hun Yuan Sect. Xuan Yang Sect sent people back and forth several times, offering various prices, but Song Xian never agreed. It wasn't until Xuan Yang Sect offered to cede the Fang family's resources and territory that Hun Yuan Sect finally agreed. "The enmity between Ming Yue Sect and your sect is known to everyone in Xijiang County. Xu Zhuoxuan not only ambushed and killed your sect's leader but also instigated the Fang family to turn against you, intending to have the Fang family take your place. This enmity is irreconcilable. Now, Ming Yue Sect is stirring again, raising troops against our sect. If they succeed, how could we easily let your sect go?"

Xiao Ling continued to reason with him, first clarifying the stakes, and when Jia Yun didn't respond, she announced the price.

"If your clan is willing to help, our clan is willing to hand over half of the Fang family's resources and territory to your clan."

Upon hearing this condition, Jia Yun finally relented. After all, he wasn't the one in charge, and he couldn't be too stubborn or forceful.

"It's not that we don't want to help your sect, but our abilities are limited. So, I will report this matter to the sect leader and then give your sect a reply."

"Very well, I won't bother you any longer. I hope your sect can give us a definite reply as soon as possible. Farewell."

Xiao Ling didn't press the matter further. After speaking, she stood up. She hadn't expected Xuan Yang Sect to give her an immediate answer. Such a big matter couldn't be settled in one or two talks. The conditions she had just offered were merely a test of Xuan Yang Sect's bottom line, in preparation for war with Ming Yue Sect.

Although the Bright Moon Sect has amassed a large force, it has not actually invaded Bianxi City. Things have not yet reached the point of no return. Perhaps the Bright Moon Sect is just putting on a show. But it is always good to be prepared.

Offering half of the resources in the Fang family's territory now is a bargaining chip to secure the assistance of the Xuan Yang Sect in the future.

If the Bright Moon Sect were to give up, and the Xuan Yang Sect did not send anyone, then this statement would obviously not count.

If the Bright Moon Sect really launches a major attack on Bianxi City and the Xuan Yang Sect refuses to help, then they can continue to raise the conditions.

"I'll see Fellow Daoist Xiao off." Jia Yun got up and escorted her out of the sect. Only after seeing her disappear into the distance did he return to the mountain gate and arrive at a hall. After a short while, Su Yuan entered from outside.

"Xiao Ling has already left. The Hunyuan Sect is willing to offer half of the Fang family's resources and territory in exchange for our assistance." Jia Yun briefly recounted their conversation: "What is the Sect Leader's opinion?"

Su Yuan pondered for a moment: "What do you think?"

"The Hunyuan Sect is clearly testing us. They haven't even specified how many people our sect needs to send, which shows they're not sincere. Although the situation in Bianxi City is tense, it hasn't reached the point of mutual destruction yet. Whether a fight will break out, and to what extent, is still unknown. The Beast Taming Sect hasn't given any indication yet, so there's no need for our sect to rush in."

Su Yuan nodded slightly. In his heart, he couldn't wait for the Hunyuan Sect and the Mingyue Sect to start fighting, the more intense the better.

Thus, Hunyuan Sect would inevitably have to seek help from Xuanyang Sect, and he could then offer even better terms, not only to reclaim all of Fang family's resources and territory, but also to have a chance to obtain the Golden Yuan Pill that Song Xian had already acquired.

“I think we can help them secretly.” After a moment of silence, Su Yuan slowly spoke.

"Give them a hand? What does the sect leader mean?" Jia Yun frowned slightly.

"If another Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Bright Moon Sect is ambushed and assassinated, who will the Bright Moon Sect hold accountable? With the two sides so tense, if something else happens and the Bright Moon Sect loses a Foundation Establishment cultivator for no apparent reason, wouldn't that cause an uproar?"

Jia Yun frowned, somewhat worried: "If the Bright Moon Sect finds out that we did it, wouldn't that drag us down with us?"

"As long as we do it cleanly, the Bright Moon Sect won't suspect us. They'll definitely think it was the Hunyuan Sect. And even if they are discovered, so what? The Bright Moon Sect was able to ambush our former sect leader and instigate the Fang family to cause trouble. What's wrong with our sect killing one of their Foundation Establishment cultivators?"

"But now the Bright Moon Sect members are gathered in Humen City. Their Foundation Establishment cultivators are all gathered together, so it's not easy to make a move."

“I have received information that since the conflict between the Mingyue Sect and the Hunyuan Sect, the Mingyue Sect has sent a Foundation Establishment cultivator to Xijiang County as a special envoy to contact the Beast Taming Sect. He has been in Xijiang County for some time now. This person is our best target.”

…………

The bright moon hung in the sky, a gentle night breeze rustled the bamboo grove, and whispers could be heard from inside the house.

"The Hunyuan Sect is also ready. They have set up multiple camps and organized three lines of defense within the territory of Bianxi City. The first line of defense is located on the border with this city."

"According to reliable sources, the Hunyuan Sect has repeatedly sent people to the Huayuan Sect and the Xuanyang Sect for help, but so far neither the Huayuan Sect nor the Xuanyang Sect has made a statement, so it is likely that they have not reached an agreement."

"Junior Brother Fan Yuan also sent a message from Xijiang County: the Beast Taming Sect is aware of the conflict between our sect and the Hunyuan Sect, and should be issuing a statement soon..."

In the spacious and bright hall, Elder Nie Liang of the Bright Moon Sect recounted the information he knew.

Xu Zhuoxuan remained expressionless, and after listening, he simply nodded slightly: "Issue the order that the troops will set off tomorrow and head towards Bianxi City."

Nie Liang frowned: "Are we really going to have a full-scale war with the Hunyuan Sect?"

Xu Zhuoxuan glanced at him: "Are you afraid of them?"

Nie Liang remained silent, knowing that the Bright Moon Sect was currently in an awkward, limboed position.

If we don't retaliate, we'll be looked down upon. In terms of strength, the Bright Moon Sect is superior to the Hunyuan Sect, yet the Hunyuan Sect has provoked us so much. We must get our revenge. Besides, the troops have already assembled. If we remain inactive and only make empty threats, we'll definitely be ridiculed.

However, if we were to launch a full-scale attack on Bianxi City, it would be a futile battle, resulting in the loss of a thousand enemies but eight hundred of our own, and a waste of money and supplies.

Regardless of whether Huayuan Sect and Xuanyang Sect would assist Hunyuan Sect, Yushou Sect could not stand idly by and watch the two sides fight to the end.

This is different from the previous attack on Yongning City, which was with Hong Haoran's tacit approval, but this time it was not discussed with the Beast Taming Sect beforehand.

Therefore, this battle will definitely not have a result, and the Bright Moon Sect will most likely not gain anything practically.

(End of this chapter)